Winter Storm Pax Invades Cortlandt

Westchester's hills, like this one in Hastings-on-Hudsoon, were difficult to climb during morning rush hour Thursday.Video Credit: Danny LoPrioreHastings Department of Public Works staffer Sam Breaker clears a long stairway to the Metro North Train Station.Photo Credit: Danny LoPrioreFiras Marji, a clerk at 24-hour Madaba Deli in Hastings, clears another snowfall from the sidewalk.Photo Credit: Danny LoPriore

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. --
Winter storm Pax
, translated as Peace in Latin, was anything but peaceful as it blew into Westchester County with high winds and heavy snow beginning early Thursday morning.

Commuters and workers fought their way through the nearly 3 inches that had already fallen in Southern Westchester by 8 a.m. with more falling throughout the morning producing accumulations of more than 2 inches per hour in some spots.

Some parts of Westchester reported between 6 to 10 inches of snow accumulation by 10:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service
forecast called for a three-part storm with a lull Thursday afternoon before Pax is expected to drop more snow before Friday morning. There could be more than 14 inches of accumulation in some Northern Westchester communities. Central and Southern Westchester is expected to get 8 to 12 inches of accumulation.

"It's been tough this winter for sure," said U.S. Postal worker Rich Zarychta of Yonkers. "The local roads are narrow because it hasn't gotten warm enough to melt the snow and it's piling up. I just try to be sure to watch for other drivers and stay steady."

Most Westchester County schools called for closings Wednesday evening as the forecast worsened as parents made arrangements for kids being home fro school.

"You count your blessings when you work for someone who considers your safety and families safety," said Grances Conklin McCarthy of Verplank. "I have the advantage to work from home. If I didn't that would mean risking my in laws safety to get to my house and back so I could travel to and from work in hazardous road conditions for hours. Thanks to my boss I am safe home with the kids but still worry about my husband traveling."

Snow plows and salt spreaders prepared the way and tried to help the early rush hour traffic move.

"The roads are not good right now while the snow is still falling," said Mike Marrone of Tarrytown, who was headed for Saw Mill River Parkway at 8 a.m. "they say it will stop then start again. Rush hour coming back will not be fun."

Many took the day off heading warnings to stay off the roads with condition's on highways and local roads expected to deteriorate through the evening rush hour.